Emulation of real life environments for user testing

The first part of this paper explores the issues surrounding the computer simulation of real life environments via augmented reality and how this process could potentially be integrated into the undergraduate design curriculum. User testing is currently conducted in a laboratory type environment due to accessibility, flexibility and rapid feedback. Difficulties encountered in this artificial setting include the inability to convey the realistic environment that the product could potentially be exposed to: for example, weather conditions, stress or poor visibility. The second part of the paper describes a research project that has the over arching aim of developing a toolkit that can allow commercial design consultancies to quickly and conveniently create augmented virtual environments for user testing. The final part of the paper presents a case study, the initial findings of this research and its integration into design education via a student case study. The case study involved 40 Product Design students taking part in 5 different user tests. The paper goes on to describe the benefits that substantially enhanced the student learning experience and directly informed the curriculum in addition to enhancing their understating of the process.